This year began with much anticipation. I was larger than life as we were awaiting the birth of our third child. We spent months in prayer for a safe and healthy arrival and smooth transition with our 2 older children. God answered every single one of those thousands of prayers in ways we never could have imagined. Jackson was born on February 6 healthy and beautiful and could only be described as a gift from God. We were overjoyed. The transition with Maxwell and Emalynn was incredible. They welcomed Jackson with open arms and open hearts.
Before we knew it, school was out and it was summer! We filled up the time with zoo trips, play dates and lots of time with friends and family. In August Emalynn turned 5, Maxwell turned 3 and Jackson was 6 months old already! I couldn’t believe how the time was flying by! I was determined to enjoy every moment with them and so thankful the Lord clearly answered my prayers and told me specifically to be a stay-at-home-mom. I was dreading the inevitable fall schedule of school and change and leaving my sweet girl with someone I didn’t even know for half of every single day of the week.
Fall of course came and so did Kindergarten for Emalynn and Preschool for Maxwell. The first day was so incredibly difficult for me…but the Lord gave me an unexplainable peace, a true answer to prayer. Both of them were so excited for school and it made it so much easier. Emalynn couldn’t have been happier the first day she got off the bus…she insisted on riding the bus! 
The busy school days made fall disappear into winter in the blink of an eye!
The Christmas season this year for us was amazing. We spent each night doing an Advent devotional with the kids. Seeing them desire to learn more about Jesus was such a blessing. It was the perfect way to end the year and start a tradition and begin the routine of an evening family devotional. Christmas Day we read Luke 2 a total of 3 times with the kids and it was so sweet to see their little mouths speak certain sentences they knew by heart. Even in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays the Lord gave us a peace that only he can give. Our prayers to keep Christ in Christmas were answered.
This year began with anticipation and incredible trust that God would take care of us and ended with unimaginable peace, love and joy. My heart is overflowing with joy and thankfulness. The single most important thing I’ve learned through everything is the power of prayer. I take everything to the Lord and give it to him. I can actually feel the weight that has been lifted. I trust him completely and I am so thankful he is always listening. Happy New Year everyone!
Wonders of HIS Love 